Roadshow Reports

Posted on behalf of Charles Leeham, OOLS Roadshow Manager

There are mainly very positive vibes associated with this Classic Model Rail Show, due in part because this popular "Fest" heralds the beginning of the annual Event Calendar where large numbers of collectors and enthusiasts are treated to a stunning array of the most sought after products, temptingly displayed by an impressive gathering of the most popular traders.

All this, combined with an absorbing selection of beautifully crafted layouts, a good number of promotional / society stalls and pretty good catering, goes a long way to account for the large queues of eager punters snaking along the outer perimeters of this substantive and highly functional showground.

The exhibition space covering two floors is served by well thought out, multiple access provision from the ground floor parking areas combined with well placed lifts and escalators to accommodate the smooth progression of setting up and knock down, whilst aiding toward the seamless transition around the entire show of the thousands of eager visitors to this exceedingly popular event, although several first timers to our Layout commented they were in the process of leaving before becoming aware there was more to see on the floor above. Perhaps a touch more of the appropriate signage might not come amiss for future events.

Fortunately, a very large number of visitors did indeed find our Road Show and at times it seemed around five rows deep. Certainly the interest in OO Live Steam seemingly grows exponentially year on year wherever we exhibit with the added advantage here in Doncaster, with club members taking a long awaited opportunity to run their Locos.

This year the Roadshow team experienced at firsthand just how flexible the Layout really is in accommodating both a larger contingent of team members than previous years together with a substantial increase in both members and visitors wishing to run their locos on the club layout. Given that on this occasion the layout transporter left all the club locos back in Glossop it was made all the more enjoyable by effectively sharing the running of the outer track with everyone using their own locos including the visitor/ family demos.

Many thanks to all the Team including a welcome return by Richard after a long 2yrs, Chris, Nick, George, Eric, Nigel, David, Jonathan, Andrew, Dave & Val and myself. Looking forward to meeting up at Harrogate.

Charles Leekam, OOLS Roadshow Manager